Bendel Insurance head coach, Greg Ikhenoba, has expressed relief and delight after his team clinched their first victory of the season with a dramatic stoppage-time goal against Niger Tornadoes in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 4 clash.
The Benin Arsenal, who had endured a difficult start to the campaign — suffering a 2–0 defeat to Elkanemi Warriors, followed by back-to-back 1–1 draws against Shooting Stars Sports Club and newcomers Barau FC finally broke the jinx at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium on Sunday, September 14.
Emmanuel Israel’s 93rd-minute strike sealed a crucial 1–0 win for the hosts.
“A big thanks to the boys. They all played to instructions, fought a good fight, and I hope that if we continue this way, the sky will be our limit,” Ikhenoba told reporters at the post-match press conference.
The coach praised his players’ resilience, stressing that the match underlined the importance of playing until the final whistle.
“Football is played until the referee’s final whistle. I had the confidence something would happen, and I am happy it eventually came to be,” he said.
Ikhenoba also provided fitness updates on midfielder Alex and goalkeeper Joshua Baba, who missed the tie due to knocks.
“Alex got a knock in Maiduguri and is under medical attention, while Baba had a thigh sprain before our trip to Kano. In games like this, you need to be 100% fit to play. They are fine, and with time, they will return to the squad,” he explained.
Looking ahead, the coach assured fans that Insurance remain a work in progress but promised improvements as the season advances.
“We keep trying to improve on our lapses. By the grace of God, we will keep working hard, and when the goals start coming, everyone will be happy,” he added.
The victory lifted Bendel Insurance to 10th on the NPFL log with five points, pending completion of other fixtures across the country.
The Benin side will next face a tough away trip against Enyimba International in Aba.
